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Fresh off the back of stunning back to back at Imola last time out, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) is preparing for his home round at Donington Park with his eyes on the all time WorldSBK win record.

Racing in front of the home fans is always a special feeling and Donington Park will welcome a host of supporters for the Northern Irishman, at a circuit that holds plenty of history in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Staging the first ever WorldSBK race 30 years ago, Donington Park could be the stage for even more history as one victory from Rea will see him over-take Carl Fogarty in the history books.

With 59 wins to his name, 60 is enough to take the record, and at a circuit which was a strong one for Carl Fogarty it could be a monumental feat for Rea. But with a challenging layout combined with working his ZX-10RR to the new regulations, Rea is preparing for a big battle this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to racing at Donington this weekend as it’s the closest thing I have to a home round feeling,” explains the unstoppable Rea. “It’s nice to arrive there on the back of a strong weekend in Imola and we will work hard together to make sure we can fight for victory again. Of course, Donington is a different challenge, with its undulating layout and a mix of fast flowing sectors and stop and go sectors. This always makes it difficult to set up the perfect bike, but we will try to find a compromise. This weekend marks the first opportunity I have to surpass Carl Fogarty’s all time WorldSBK win record. I will have a lot of travelling support so let’s hope that’s enough to get it done.”

 On the other side of the Provec Racing garage, there is another rider with big things on his agenda this weekend, as the most successful rider ever around Donington Park prepares to suit up for his home round. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) is ready for the fight this weekend, at a circuit which is a special one for the Yorkshire born rider.

Describing his first time visiting the circuit: “When I got to Donington as a 14 year old, I remember thinking ‘Wow!’ It lived up to all my expectations, and more. First impressions are important, they say, and Donington’s first impression on me was a big one, and it stuck. When you go round Redgate and head down Craner Curves, under a bright blue sky, it is fantastic.” It’s clear to see what a special place the 4.9km circuit holds in his heart.

Getting ready for the action, Sykes continues: “Preparations are going well for Donington. It is a special place for me. We have done all right in the recent past, with nine wins on the bounce before race two last year. I think I rode there for the first time in the 2000 season. I had ridden at some other British circuits before, and when I finally rocked up to Donington it was special. It is wider and more open compared to most other British circuits. In general we are in good shape for Donington and I am looking forward to going racing there again.”

Keep up with the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK’s progress throughout the weekend, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.